Diageo is on the hunt for a development partner as it embarks on the transformation of part of its iconic St James's Gate site.

Earlier this year, the maker of Guinness secured the go-ahead for its €25m plan to construct a new distillery on the 50 acre campus for its new premium blended Irish whiskey, Roe & Co..

The group has now announced its plans to develop 12.6 acres of the site to create a mixed-use development, the St. James’s Gate Quarter.

Diageo said that it plans to create "one of the most dynamic urban quarters in Ireland and Europe" at the heart of Dublin’s Liberties area.

Underpinned by both the Dublin City Development Plan and the Liberties Local Area Plan, Diageo's vision is to open up the site to create a space that will include residential, office and commercial space.

The intention is that the new quarter will be fully integrated into the wider Liberties area.

"We are committed to a long term sustainable future at St. James’s Gate and are delighted to be opening streets, creating spaces, and generating opportunity," Oliver Loomes, Country Director for Diageo Ireland said.

"We are transforming our centuries-old vat houses, brew houses and cooperages into incredible spaces that will house and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, residents and visitors, dreamers and doers."

The size and scale of the long term project has encouraged the Diageo team to seek a "world class development partner who can help to deliver this transformative vision".

"We have, in this site, a unique opportunity to open up the gates, creating a quarter that will form part of the fabric of the city for generations to come. It will act as a catalyst for the continued regeneration of the Liberties," Colin O’Brien, Beer and Packaging Director at Diageo, said.

"While this will be a long term project, and we are at the very early stages, this is something that we’re all very excited about and we are committed to doing it right."

Diageo plans to retain ownership and custodianship of a number of key buildings in the quarter, including the gate itself and Arthur Guinness’s residence.